Group Lotus Response to the
UK Government Support Announcement for the Motor Industry

Group Lotus plc welcomes the government’s
investment boost into green and low carbon vehicle
projects in addition to increasing the funding for
training of employees in the motor industry.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus
plc, said, “It has been a long time coming but I
welcome the announcement given by Lord Mandelson,
today. I am delighted that the UK government has
recognised the vital importance to the automotive
industry of research into green, environmental and
low carbon vehicle solutions. These are areas that
Lotus has been working on for many years and I am
pleased to say that Lotus is now acknowledged as a
world leader in the relevant and significant areas
of alternative fuels, electric and hybrid technology
and of course staying true to the Lotus brand value
of creating light weight and efficient vehicles.”

Commenting on Group Lotus business, Mike
Kimberley said, “It will be a very tough year for
the global automotive industry, but Lotus is
reasonably placed compared to some other car
companies. We have an ambitious research and
development programme and we are very encouraged by
the invitation given by Lord Mandelson to Regional
Development Agencies to bring forward programmes for
research and development into cleaner engines and
lighter cars, areas in which Lotus is one of the
world leaders.

“We have restructured and prepared our three key
areas of business, the manufacture and sale of Lotus
cars, world class high technology automotive
engineering consultancy and contract manufacturing
for third parties, to assist in riding this economic
down-turn and to continue as world leaders in
advanced automotive technology and low carbon cars
of the future.”